INCREASE SUPPORT
So, here’s a scary stat about nonprofits: between 1/3 and 1/2 of first-time donors do not donate a second time.
How do YOU prevent that?
Communication. Reach out in ways that connect more deeply and emotionally with those supporters.
I have been a photojournalist and picture editor for more than 30 years … working to make people care about the important things going on in the world. Working now exclusively with nonprofits, I deliver storytelling content you can use for fundraising and attracting volunteers … so your organization can continue making this world a better place.
Published in:
Awards from:
I’M MARK
Pulitzer-winning photojournalist. Picture editor. Visual storyteller.
Life For Real, my company, is a self-sustaining operation asking clients only to cover travel, food and shelter costs. I do not charge a day rate and there are no licensing or creative fees.
LFR is dedicated to helping nonprofits elevate donations and galvanize support … so you can take on bigger challenges and expand your impact.
Let me help your nonprofit accelerate positive change for the communities and causes you serve.
“Mark is a joy to work with - open, fun and professional. His stunning photography, storytelling skills and deep understanding of our organization has allowed us to stay 100% focused on mission-critical work, confident that he'll capture it all on camera and in a polished presentation."
-- Carey L., Operations & Ground Team Manager, Nonprofit (Missouri)
Donors and Volunteers need a vehicle for bringing positive change to the world.
Let’s convince them that YOU are that vehicle.
STAY IN TOUCH
A recent Global Trends in Giving report found online communication – led by social media – is the #1 way of inspiring donors to give.
Ongoing communication accounts for up to 80% of the lifetime value of a donor, so regular contact with your donors and volunteers is now essential.
Getting people to feel the impact you’re making – thru pictures and stories – can be a nonprofit’s secret weapon in building and sustaining support.
SHOW YOUR SIGNIFICANCE
Donors and volunteers contribute when they believe their support can make a difference.
Your pictures and your stories must illustrate:
(1) the need your organization addresses,
(2) the transformation you enable, and
(3) how donors + volunteers are the bridge between what is and what can be.
It’s hard work … but if your pictures and stories achieve these three things, attracting donors and volunteers becomes (almost) easy.
QUANTITY + QUALITY
Communication strategies rely on quality and quantity.
Quality creates the impact essential to drive donor action.
Quantity allows for regular contact … the “secret sauce” in any communication plan.
A single LFR project produces months – maybe years – of content for your social media, fundraising campaigns, website, newsletters, presentations and reports.
Working together, you can have the exceptional content you need to attract and grow donor & volunteer support.
Our Mission Grown Blueprint illustrates how to effectively add storytelling to your overall development strategy.
"Working with Mark was a real eye-opener. We've worked with other professional photographers, but Mark captured the spirit and struggles of the communities we serve – and portrayed the scope of our impact – in a way that hadn't been done before. "
-- Amy M., CEO, Nonprofit (Toronto)
Partners in Progress
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER?
DO IT YOURSELF — WORK + LEARN OPPORTUNITIES
I Teach, We Fish (but mostly me).
Learn More!
I Teach, You Fish.
Learn More!
EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE
I’ve photographed complex news events, national politics, professional sports championships, and the joys and struggles of daily life … receiving awards and accolades – including a Pulitzer prize – for those efforts.
I don’t share that to brag, but to let you know you are in good hands. If we decide to partner on a project, you can relax in the knowledge this isn’t my first storytelling rodeo.
OUTCOMES & BENEFITS YOU CAN EXPECT
More donors, dollars and volunteers
Publication & presentation-ready materials
Well-planned, streamlined projects
Multiple/Mixed content formats – photo, video, audio
MONTHS to YEARS of at-the-ready social media content
Photo and video training for staff
Being the hero of your marketing &/or development department ;-))
"I don't have formal training, but it is still my responsibility to make pictures and videos for our organization. Mark taught me about good photography, and storytelling. I now make much better photos and videos, which is fun for me and very helpful to our marketing team.”
-- Philip M., Community Advocate, Nonprofit (Kenya)
WHO GETS BEST RESULTS
Growth-minded Nonprofits & NGOs with:
Under-nurtured major donors
Too few donors and volunteers overall
Overloaded marketing & fundraising staffs
Short supply of social media content
Reliance on generic stock photos
Donor retention challenges
Lots of inactive donors (who can be reactivated)
